Editors’ Notes

A rap album that holds new-school innovation and old-school basics in perfect balance; a double-album colossus with a minimum of filler; a veteran group’s affirmation that after 20 years in the business, they are better than ever. Without question, Underground Kingz is a rare accomplishment on multiple levels. Atlanta’s own dynamic duo appears here on “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” a beam of endless radiance that brings together the South’s top minds over a timeless Willie Hutch sample. Yet the album only begins there. Following a seven-year absence from recording and Pimp C’s four-year incarceration, Underground Kingz is designed as a comeback album on the highest order — both a reaffirmation of a signature sound that helped lay the foundation for Southern rap music, and an authentication that these 20-year veterans can compete with the best that the younger generation has to offer. “Chrome Plated Woman,” “Quit Hatin’ the South,” “How Long Can It Last,” and “Shattered Dreams” are molasses-and-gravy-coated Pimp C productions that stand next to anything from Ridin’ Dirty or Super Tight, while “Grind Hard” and “Take the Hood Back” prove that the group can ride as hard and heavy as the current crop. The guest list (everyone from Too Short to Talib Kweli to Big Daddy Kane) reflects UGK cross-regional appeal, but the duo alone shines strongest. “The Game Belongs To Me” is definitive UGK: the lifetime partners, trading sneers and stories over syrup-thick soul music.

Customer Reviews

UGK-Underground Kingz

by
btaznpride

Their long awaited and highly anticipated seventh album is finally here. After a 5 year absence due to Pimp C's incarceration, they are back. Several pushed release dates, they finally release, the double disc set, was it the wait?
Swishas And Dosha: "you myspacin and facebookin, playin games with them toys, I'm in the streets where gangstas meet, while you online with them boys" Bun B spits about the new technology out right now. Great opener, the guitars are energized and its a nice starter. 3.5/5
Int'l Players Anthem: DJ Paul & Juicy J produce a gem, that samples Willie Hutch's "I Choose You". The classy horns and soulful production are fitting on this excellent collab of Outkast and UGK. Excellent track. 5/5
Chrome Plated Woman: Decent track, but it was a little lackluster. 2.5/5
Life Is 2009: Scarface's bouncy production that has an old school feel to it, shines. Too $hort adds a solid appearance and this is a highlight. 3.5/5
The Game Belongs To Me: With one of the most creative hooks, Pimp C's fluid hook sings "I got Bobby by the pound, Whitney by the key, DJ Screw by the gallon, b**** the game belongs to me". Excellent track that is so relaxed and all about H-Town music, a nice ridin track. 5/5
Like That Remix: Decent track. 3/5
Gravy: Slow and relaxed, it was decent. 3/5
Underground Kingz: Pimp C's production of horns are great, as the assisting piano and organ are nice touches. Solid track here. 3.5/5
Grind Hard: Great track here, UGK bring a hard hitting track among bouncy synths. Young T.O.E. & DJ B-Do guest appear on this banger. 3.5/5
Take Tha Hood Back: Another banger with a harder hitting bang, as The Runners create a great beat. Slim Thug, Vicious & Middle Fingaz appear on this street banger. 3.5/5
Quit Hatin The South: Charlie Wilson smoothens the edges of this diss to anyone "hatin on the south". Relaxed and slow with a nice guitar. 3.5/5
Heaven: Pimp C's questions "is there a heaven for a G?" on the hook of this "is there any love for a thug" type track. Solid track. 3.5/5
Trill N***as Don't Die: Z-Ro adds a decent verse on this celebratory track of "trill n***as don't die". Decent track. 3/5
How Long Can It Last: Charlie Wilson shows up again to add another great hook, the slow paced track is similar to "Quit Hatin The South", as Bun and Pimp wonder how they can continue to survive. With Bun playing the realist and Pimp C the optimist. 3.5/5
Still Ridin Dirty: Heavily samples Scarface's "The Fix" it was a decent track. 3/5
Stop N Go: Jazze Pha surprises with a great production, anthemic horns and bounce with soldier snares. Great track here with a nice hook. 4/5
Cocaine: UGK share coke stories and give lessons on how to move it, as Rick Ross plays the drug kingpin who also reminisces on the past work. Laid back with nice guitar. 3.5/5
Two Type Of B****es: Interesting topic, as they compare two types of ladies. Nicely done. 3.5/5
Real Women: As UGK did on Talib Kweli's "Country Cousins", Kweli returns the favor on this smooth track that is "Dear Mama" like. An ode to the real women, Raheem's hook is nice. 4/5
Candy: Decent track, similar to "Chrome Plated Women". 2.5/5
Tell Me How Ya Feel: Another nice Jazze production with piano, good track. 3.5/5
Shattered Dreams: A sad track here, about how they didn't get any love coming up. 3.5/5
Like That: Lil Jon's street rock production was nice, but it didn't fit UGK. Skipper. 2/5
Next Up: Big Daddy Kane & Kool G Rap join UGK as vets who talk about the future of hip hop. 3/5
Living This Life: Pimp C has a beautiful hook as pain and struggle are poured into this great track. 4/5
Int'l Playas Anthem: Originally the track, they decided to go with Outkast to reach a broader audience. Three 6 Mafia appear and do a nice job. 4.5/5
Hit The Block: Swizzy's energized production is nice on the hook, but doesn't fit UGK. T.I. brings a decent appearance. 2.5/5
Solid return for UGK, they complement each other nicely. Pimp C's fluid hooks are easy to the ears, and his laid back pimp swagger work well with Bun's more tough style. There are some filler, but overall it is a really good album, especially for a double disc one. Disc 1 is more bangers, as disc 2 has more relaxed tracks. The album is an excellent ride through H-Town and UGK play their part as experienced vets (which they are) and create a relaxed and easygoing ride. Nice album, definitely one to cop.
Rating 8.5 out of 10

Thats whats up!!!

by
Q-cam

Im from Port Arthur. And I know know Bun and Pimp personally. And I gotta say that im very pround of this album. They strayed out of their comfort zone just enough to draw a wider audience all the while stayin true to their core fan base. Because of the times, I dont think its fair to compare it to their past albums though. And correction, they've been puttin out albums since the late 80's not 90's. Yall enjoy.

The Best Rap Duo Ever!!!

by
RealSpecial44

The boys are back. All true UGK fans must cop this album. Might be the best rap album ever!!!!!

Biography

Formed: 1987 in Houston, TX

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Years Active: '80s, '90s, '00s

Southern gangsta rappers Pimp C and Bun B formed UGK (aka Underground Kingz) in the late '80s and signed to Jive Records for their major-label debut album, 1992's Too Hard to Swallow. After second album Super Tight..., UGK hit the R&B charts with 1996's Ridin' Dirty, which ascended to the number two spot. Dirty Money followed in late 2001. Pimp C began serving at...